1911 Ford Model T

The production of the two-cylinder model by the Ford Motor Company began in 1903 and continued through 1905. In 1906, Ford went in two different directions with the introduction of the low-priced, basic, four-cylinder Model N Roadster for $600 and the larger Model K powered by a 405 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine producing 40 horsepower and selling for $2,400. Sales for the Model K were disappointing, partly due to the high price which put it on par with prestigious manufacturers of the era, including Thomas, Stevens-Duryea, and Winton. Ford would not produce another six-cylinder car until 1941.

The Model N was popular and provided the basis for the Model R, which was introduced in 1907. The Model S was also introduced in 1907. The three models (the N, R, and S) provided the cash flow and the engineering platform for the creation of the Model T, which appeared in October of 1908. In a similar fashion to the S, the Model T was powered by a monobloc engine with a detachable head in place of the two separate dual-cylinder castings of the earlier cars.

The Model T was an immediate success with orders being placed all over the world.

For 1911, the Model T was completely restyled and given new fenders, body, wheels, and a new but similarly shaped brass radiator. A new engine and front and rear axle appeared later in the year. The front axle incorporated spindles with separate steering arms. The rear axles were now cast-iron, and the Ford bodies were now made with a wooden framework with steel panels (in place of the prior all-wood construction). The lighting included gas headlamps with oil (kerosene) side and tail lamps - all made of brass.

The mid-year change to the engine included the earlier exposed valves were replaced by valve chambers that were cast in the block, with steel doors to enable adjustments when needed.

Cars were previously offered in red, grey, or green, but, for 1911, dark blue was selected as a standard color ('any color as long as it's black' still lay in the future). All black did not come out until 1914 when, in the interest of production line speed, Henry Ford chose one color. Black was selected because it dried the fastest which helped speed production.

A few of the body styles were phased out, including the coupe. Two new body styles were added, including the open runabout and the torpedo runabout. These two bodies were unique, with curved rear fenders, lower seating, a longer hood, and a round 16-gallon fuel tank on the rear deck. The open runabout did not have doors, unlike the torpedo runabout.

Ford produced a total of 34,858 Model Ts for the 1911 model year. Approximately 75% of production was comprised of the four-door Touring model, while the remaining 25% was shared among six other versions of the car.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2019